Nashville, TN – As the summer season winds down, college students begin preparations for the fall semester. While some will be first-time students moving into residence halls, many will be moving off-campus and living on their own for the first time.

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urges students and their parents to choose fire-safe off-campus housing and discuss fire safety practices in order to prevent potentially life-threatening situations.

From January 2000 to May 2015, there were 85 fatal fires in U.S. dormitories, fraternities, sororities and off-campus housing, resulting in 118 fatalities.

Nashville, TN – Each year, college and university students living both on- and off-campus experience fire-related emergencies nationwide.

Since January 2000 through June 2015, there have been 170 college/university fire fatalities across the U.S. with a majority of those fire deaths occurring in off-campus housing, according to information compiled by Campus Firewatch.

Those off-campus housing fire deaths had common factors including a lack of automatic fire sprinklers, missing or disabled smoke alarms, careless smoking habits, and the misuse of alcohol — which impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts. [Read more]

Nashville, TN – As winter weather rolls through the Volunteer State leaving a trail of frozen pipes, power outages and house fires in its wake, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind Tennesseans how crucial it is to keep fire safety in mind during the winter months.

“Brutally cold weather can drastically increase fire risks during what is already a peak season for residential fires,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “It is crucial to make fire safety a priority in and around our homes to avoid the devastation that can accompany frigid temperatures.” [Read more]

Fireworks, parties can pose risks for the unprepared

Nashville, TN – When it comes to fireworks and New Year’s celebrations, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office wants residents to make good fire safety habits a New Year’s tradition whether at home or out on the town.

“No matter how you choose to ring in 2015, be sure to do it safely,” said Gary West, deputy commissioner of the Fire Prevention Division, Department of Commerce and Insurance. “Leave fireworks to the professionals and have emergency escape plans in place for not only your home, but for public venues as well.” [Read more]

Nashville, TN – As temperatures plunge this winter, fire sprinkler systems become vulnerable to freeze-ups just like all water-filled pipes.

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging home and business owners to take a few preventative maintenance steps now in order to keep buildings safe from fire during the winter months and help owners avoid costly repairs down the road.

“Forecasters predict temperatures will drop below average this winter across the south and southeastern portions of the U.S,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Fire sprinkler users should take precautions ahead of the season’s coldest weather to ensure they have peace of mind throughout winter.” [Read more]

Nashville, TN – As the school year comes to a close, many Tennesseans are turning their attention to family vacation plans. The State Fire Marshal’s Office asks that you remember to incorporate fire safety into travel plans before hitting the road for your summer vacation.

“Hotels and motels become a home away from home for travelers, so it is important to become familiar with new surroundings and to have a plan in place should an emergency arise,” says State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. [Read more]

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents of manufactured homes – also known as mobile homes or trailers – to practice fire safety. More than 250,000 of these homes exist in Tennessee.

“Fires move more quickly in smaller spaces, leaving occupants with less time to escape. This is why it is crucial to have working smoke alarms installed in all homes,” State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak says. “Develop and practice a home fire escape with your loved ones so that everyone knows what to do when the alarm sounds.” [Read more]

Nashville, TN – As the school year comes to a close, many Tennesseans are turning their attention to family vacation plans. The State Fire Marshal’s Office asks that you remember to incorporate fire safety into travel plans before hitting the road for your summer retreat.

“Hotels and motels become a home away from home for travelers, so it is important to become familiar with new surroundings and to have a plan in place should an emergency arise,” says State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak.

Being mindful of the following safety points will help ensure that your upcoming vacation is as safe as it is fun! [Read more]

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents of manufactured homes – also known as mobile homes or trailers – to practice fire safety.

More than 250,000 of these homes exist in Tennessee.

“Fires move more quickly in smaller spaces, leaving occupants with less time to escape. This is why it is crucial to have working smoke alarms installed in all homes,” State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak says. “Develop and practice a home fire escape with your loved ones so that everyone knows what to do when the alarm sounds.” [Read more]